Here at Ganton we view writing as an essential skill that forms a critical building block with regards effective communication. A pupil’s capacity to make marks with increasing accuracy and purpose is the key that unlocks their potential as learners and independent adults. Pupils will learn to organise their thoughts and be creative as to how they represent them in different formats of writing and mark making. Our writing curriculum offer is focussed on providing high quality writing teaching and resources, delivered in a bespoke fashion which best suits our children. Methods of communication are valued, and are practiced by everyone, to support each student to achieve their potential. All staff members act as role models for the teaching of writing throughout the day.
Ganton School follows a creative curriculum and the teaching of English is taught both separately and through topic themed learning. In line with the revised Curriculum, the teaching is part of a broad and balanced education. There are two main components in writing; transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them). The children are encouraged to construct their sentences orally before writing. Through daily activities children are taught that reading and writing is closely linked.
Writing for a specific audience is planned within lessons, which include shopping lists to support community shopping trips; party invitations incorporated within R.E. and celebrations; writing thank you letters following school visits and letters to Santa at Christmas. Additionally pupils are taught to recite poetry and learn songs for class assemblies and choir performances.
Handwriting:
Handwriting is a skill which, like reading and spelling, affects communication across the curriculum. A flexible, fluent handwriting style allows and encourages pupils to write freely and confidently. We believe that Handwriting should be actively taught and practiced on a regular basis. It is a developmental process with its own stages of development; from handwriting readiness to letter joins and eventually speed and fluency.
The children at Ganton school in handwriting will;
- Experience coherence and continuity in learning and teaching across all parts of the school.
- Develop a recognition and appreciation of pattern and line
- Understand the importance of clear and neat presentation in order to communicate meaning clearly
- Take pride in the presentation of their work and therefore study handwriting with a sense of enjoyment and achievement.
- Be supported in developing correct spelling quickly through a multi-sensory approach to handwriting
Writing curriculum for the Sensory Explorer
For our sensory explorers writing will act as a method of communication and exploration. We want our sensory learners to have access to resources and tools that can make marks of all different shapes sizes and colours. We want them to build confidence and dexterity using the support of the adults around them whilst providing an immersive environment that fosters a love of being inquisitive and exploring the best ways to express themselves
Writing curriculum for those who are preparing for independence
Pupils who are preparing for independence will extend mark making and begin to learn how to do this with some intent. Pupils will be exposed to lots of different types of writing through exposure to lots of different stories and text. For these pupils writing will involve understanding how stories follow a flow starting from the beginning and working through to the end. They will learn how to recognise characters and start to consider how their own imagination can influence a story working towards creating their own. Pupils will use a combination of tools, technology, signs and symbols to unlock their writing potential. Pupils will be encouraged to build confidence and, where possible practice composition daily.
Writing curriculum for those who are able to plan for independence
For those who are able to plan for their own indepndance, pupils will be exposed to lots of different formats of writing. They will learn how to differentiate between fiction and non-fiction mastering the knowledge to apply what they have learnt in a number of different environments. For these pupils writing will be functional, the intent will be to work towards accuracy and application in real life contexts. Pupils will learn to master the art of handwriting so that they are able to interact with the written word as a method of communication but at the same time pupils will be given the opportunity to write stories, be creative and explore their interests.
